Welcome to the blog tour for this heart pounding new book! Anya was kind enough to stop by and give us some advice for writers. Especially appropriate now as Nanowrimo is on!
Practical Advice for Beginning Fiction (or other genre) Writers
Starting any new venture can be scary. I had no idea what to expect when I began my novel, The Moon Hunters. Here’s some practical advice that other writers have given me.
- Read as you write. Not only will you get inspiration from other books, but you’ll also see how your work stands out against the rest of its genre, which is important when querying and marketing. I read tons of dystopian and post-apocalyptic science fiction to make sure my book had a unique twist.
- Dissect or reverse engineer other works of fiction. If something works, why does it work? Figure out how can you apply that same technique to your writing.
- Get feedback from other writers and beta readers. Take the advice to heart if you get consistent feedback, but it’s also important to follow your instincts and use your best judgment about what advice to incorporate. You can’t edit forever, and some advice should be left by the wayside.
- Try not to take rejection personally. It’s really hard because we often fall in love (or admittedly, sometimes hate) with our work. Tastes are subjective, and publishing is a business. You’ll probably get many rejection emails/letters before finding the right home for your book. It’s okay.
- Research an agent or publisher before signing any contracts. Don’t sign away your rights out of desperation.
- Find someone who’s passionate about your book. I’m glad I did that with The Moon Hunters. You don’t want to be just another number to an agent or publisher.
- Have the means to support yourself while writing. I have a day job, and not having to rely on my writing to generate income allowed me to take the time I needed to make the book as best as I possibly could.
- Be kind to yourself and challenge yourself at the same time. If you get into a slump, don’t beat yourself up about it. At the same time, don’t get stuck in a rut. A slump is much shorter than a rut, in my opinion.
- If necessary, motivate yourself with rewards to escape a rut. I’m partial to massages, tequila, and low-carb ice cream. That’s just me.
- Even if you’re an introvert (I am!), get on social media and start interacting with other people. Having a platform is important for marketing your book.
As an introvert myself, that's great advice! Thanks for stopping by, Anya. The book is on sale now from all good retailers and should definitely be on your list if you like smart, cleverly plotted stories!
Science Fiction/Dystopian Fiction/Post-Apocalyptic Fiction
Date Published: 9/5/19
Publisher: Chandra Press
For fans of The Hunger Games, Divergent, and The Gender Game comes a captivating new story like no other.
The Pestilence sweeps the globe with terrifying speed. A group of survivors finds an island sanctuary.
Three generations later, no one has heard from the outside world in years. The old radio only crackles with static. The Pestilence either finished its job or the world tore itself apart.
In the Village of Lehom, Leilani has been called to court as a Virtue by the King. Going to court means losing her independence and self-respect. Unfortunately, she doesn’t have a choice.
Leilani decides to take a stand; the King be damned. She plans a daring escape and sets in motion a series of events that will shake the foundation of her village and the island to its core.
About the Author
Anya Pavelle was born in Massachusetts but eventually settled in Florida, where she currently lives with her husband and dog. She’s a trained art historian who sees the quiet beauty in nature, art, and literature. Anya has been imagining new worlds since she was six years old and like many morbidly curious people, she’s obsessed with dystopian literature. The Moon Hunters is her first foray into science fiction. She’s currently working on the sequel and also plans on writing a prequel. In addition to writing, Anya loves traveling the world, SCUBA diving, relaxing with her friends and family, and finally, curling up with a new book and a glass of wine on a moon-lit humid night.
Contact Links
Purchase Link
thanks for hosting
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting me!
Delete